US Democrats struggle with ‘abolish ICE’ movement amid harsh immigration crackdown

MINNEAPOLIS, United States (MNTV) – As President Donald Trump’s immigration surge in Minnesota winds down, it has revived a contentious debate among Democrats in Washington over whether to eliminate the 23-year-old agency at the center of the crackdown.

US Representative Ilhan Omar said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished following what occurred in Minnesota.

However, many of her Democratic colleagues have stopped short of endorsing that position.

Omar, among the most vocal proponents of “abolish ICE,” said “the moment demands it” after thousands of federal agents were deployed to the state for Operation Metro Surge, during which two Minnesotans were killed.

“Holding lawbreaking ICE agents legally accountable is the bare minimum,” Omar said during a news conference at Karmel Mall in Minneapolis in late January. “We must abolish ICE.”

The debate comes as Congress addresses the fallout from the six-week operation. Democrats have united in opposing additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless reforms are implemented, including requiring ICE agents to unmask and wear visible identification. 

Some have also called for the impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

The agency temporarily shut down after lawmakers recessed without passing a funding bill.

While the idea of abolishing ICE resurfaced during Trump’s first term, it is again gaining traction among progressives. 

Still, Democrats remain divided, with some concerned Republicans could weaponize the slogan in future elections, as they did with “defund the police.”